How Much Do You Know About Seasonal Allergies?

As the blooms and blossoms of spring spill out across gardens and yards, pollens and mold spores are also on the move. For people with seasonal allergies, spring can be a time of sniffles and sneezes. Find out more about seasonal allergies by taking this quiz.

1. Which of the following is a symptom of seasonal allergies?

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Other symptoms include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and a runny nose. People’s symptoms depend on where they live and the substance to which they’re allergic.

A. SneezingB. Stomach painC. Muscle crampsD. All of the above

2. What causes seasonal allergies?

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Airborne pollens are outdoor allergens that commonly trigger symptoms during the spring and fall. Molds can be found both outdoors and indoors – in homes and other buildings. Pet dander is another allergen but can affect a person year-round.

A. Airborne pollensB. Pet danderC. Mold sporesD. A and C

3. Which of the following is true about pollens?

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Many trees, grasses, and low-growing weeds have small, light, dry pollens that trigger allergy symptoms. Brightly colored flowers rely on insects to disperse their pollen, so they don’t usually trigger allergies.

A. They’re tiny male cells of flowering plantsB. They’re smaller than the width of a human hairC. Pollens from plants with bright flowers, such as roses, usually don’t trigger allergiesD. All of the above

4. Which of the following is true about molds?

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Mold spores are found everywhere, and in some areas they are so abundant that they may outnumber pollens in the air. Molds are microscopic fungi. They don’t have a specific season but are affected by weather conditions such as wind, rain, or temperature.

A. They’re microscopic parasitesB. Mold spores float in the air like pollen C. Mold season occurs in the summerD. All of the above

5. What do pollen and mold counts measure?

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Pollen and mold spore counts can be determined daily and are reported as grains per cubic meter of air. These counts are available on the AAAAI’s website.

A. The amount of airborne allergens present in the airB. The number of people who suffer from these allergensC. The number of these allergens that grow in each stateD. None of the above

6. How can weather affect allergy sufferers?

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Windy weather dislodges and blows pollen over a wide area.

A. Allergy symptoms are reduced when it’s rainy, cloudy, or calmB. Allergy symptoms are increased when it’s hot, dry, and windyC. Weather has no effectD. A and B

7. Which of the following can reduce allergy symptoms?

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Many people get relief from taking over-the-counter medications. Other people need prescription medications or allergy shots to feel better.

A. Keeping windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into the homeB. Using air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the airC. Taking allergy medicationsD. All of the above

8. Which of the following can increase allergy symptoms?

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If possible, have someone else do the yard work. If you can't do this, wear a face mask that filters pollens and molds when working outdoors.

A. Mowing the grassB. Raking leavesC. Over-watering indoor plantsD. All of the above

9. When should people with allergies see an allergy/asthma specialist?

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An allergy/asthma specialist can provide more information on pollens and molds in your area and advise you on effective treatment.

A. When they need management and education concerning environmental triggersB. When they sneeze a lotC. When they have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma D. A and C